Leaving Paso on Monday, we decided to get off 101 at Santa Maria and take Foxen Canyon Road toward Los Olivos.
The first winery we came upon, not too far out of Santa Maria was Riverbench
Which, true to their sign, makes some very nice Pinots and Chardonnays
Lorri must be tasting the Chardonnay
The tasting room was converted from an old farmhouse that had, and has, poured concrete walls.
So, it's a sturdy place, safe from earthquakes, tornados and errant semi tractor trailers.
Their vines and views
Santa Maria Valley Wine Country!
On down Foxen Canyon we stopped for a couple photos.
Tuscany? Burgundy? Napa?
The Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo scenery compares nicely..
...just sayin'...
Lunch:
Crispy Duck Confit with a good Pinot Noir!
Final tasting of the week was at Carrhart in Los Olivos
We bought some wine and the chairs. Seriously.
After a stop in Los Olivos we headed to Lake Cachuma and "Martini Mesa"
Well, this isn't the original Martini Mesa, somebody took that spot.
But it was a good spot nonetheless.
Very few campers, quiet and sunny.
Views from our site
It's OK to drink a martini from a wine glass when you're camping!
An Acorn Woodpecker doing his thing.
Homeward bound
We had never seen the air quite so clear as we headed down the pass toward Santa Barbara
Lorri was driving so I snapped a couple photos on the run
You could see the Channel Islands, oil rigs, sailboats, tankers, amazing
My driver! Home Lorri!